The African Union Commission is committed to supporting the development of science, technology and innovation in Africa and has, since 2008 been running the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Awardsfor Scientific Excellence (AUKNASE).The AUKNASE programme is implemented at the national level for young researchers,regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists in Africa. The Continental level is the highest level of the programme. The objective is to give out science awards to top African scientists for their achievements and valuablediscoveries and findings in science, technology and innovation.